§ 8-124. Requirements for possessing dangerous or vicious dogs; registration; insurance; inspection.

(a)

It shall be unlawful for an owner to have or possess within the county a classified dog without a certificate of registration issued in accordance with the provisions of this section. Certificates of registration shall be nontransferable and shall only be issued to a person 18 years of age or older. No more than one certificate of registration shall be granted per person or owner for a dangerous dog or vicious dog. No more than one certificate shall be issued per domicile.

(b)

Registration of dangerous dog. Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a certificate of registration for a dangerous dog shall be issued if the dog control officer determines that the following requirements have been met:

(1)

The owner has maintained a proper enclosure, as defined by section 8-1 of this chapter; and

(2)

Clearly visible warning signs have been posted at all entrances to the premises where the dog resides.

(c)

Registration of vicious dog. Except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of this section, a certificate of registration for a vicious dog shall be issued if the dog control officer determines that the following requirements have been met:

(1)

The owner has maintained a proper enclosure, as defined by section 8-1 of this chapter;

(2)

Clearly visible warning signs have been posted at all entrances to the premises where the dog resides;

(3)

The owner shall, prior to placing a classified dog on his property, have the dog microchip registered, at his/her own expense, and provide the registration number to the animal control unit; and

(4)

The owner maintains at all times and can provide proof of either a policy of insurance or surety bond in a minimum amount of $50,000.00 to cover claims for any bodily injury or property damage caused by the dog. Such policy or surety bond shall be issued by an insurer or surety, as the case may be, authorized to transact business in this state. The owner shall notify the county animal control manager of any changes, renewals, and/or cancellations by written notice at least 30 days prior to any change, renewal, and/or cancellation. The county shall have the right to rely on the representations of the owner that to maintain the required insurance when the owner qualifies for the issuance of the certificate of registration.

(d)

No certificate of registration shall be issued to any person who has previously been convicted of two or more violations of this article.

(e)

No person shall be the owner of more than one vicious dog.

(f)

Fees. The certificate of registration must be renewed annually on the date the dog was declared a dangerous dog or potentially dangerous dog. An annual fee to register dangerous dogs and vicious dogs as set by the board of commissioners shall be paid by the owner to county animal control. Prior to such renewal, a dog control officer shall verify that the owner is continuing to comply with provisions of this article. Failure to renew a certificate of registration within ten calendar days of the renewal date or initial classification date shall constitute a violation of this article.

(g)

Duty to report. The owner of a dangerous dog or potentially dangerous dog shall notify the dog control officer within 24 hours if the dog is loose, unconfined, has attacked a human, has died, or has been sold or donated. If the dog has been sold or donated, the owner shall provide the dog control officer the name, address, and telephone number of the new owner of the dog, and notify the new owner of the designation.

(h)

Right to inspect. County animal control officers shall have the right to inspect, randomly and without notice, a dangerous dog or vicious dog, which is required to be confined pursuant to this section, in its environment. Permission of the owner of the animal confined shall not be unreasonably withheld.

(i)

Notification within ten days of move into jurisdiction. The owner of a classified dog shall notify the dog control officer within ten days if the owner is moving within the dog control officer's jurisdiction or moving from the dog control officer's jurisdiction. The owner of the dangerous dog or potentially dangerous dog who is moving out of the county shall register the dangerous dog or potentially dangerous dog in the new jurisdiction within ten days after becoming a resident. Likewise, any person moving into the county who owns a classified dog shall register the dog in the county within ten days after becoming a resident.

(j)

Failure to obtain certificate of registration. If the owner of a classified dog fails to obtain the certificate of registration within 14 calendar days from the final and conclusive classification of such dog pursuant to section 8-123, such dog shall be destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner.

(Ord. No. 16-008 , 12-19-2016)